Embedded Files
Skin to Skin
Background
Skin-to-skin contact between the newly born preterm infant and an adult has been shown to have numerous benefits for infants in the NICU. These include better thermoregulation, better growth and reduced stress. This project aims to build a device that can replicate some of the benefits of skin-to-skin contact. This device will simulate the texture, temperature and thermal conductance of skin in addition to providing a responsive element towards infant’s movements. Students will be involved in the early prototype stage to make a surface that can transmit heat, provide the same textural experience of skin and respond to infant’s movements with mechanical movements.
Skin-to-skin contact between the newly born preterm infant and an adult has been shown to have numerous benefits for infants in the NICU. These include better thermoregulation, better growth and reduced stress. This project aims to build a device that can replicate some of the benefits of skin-to-skin contact. This device will simulate the texture, temperature and thermal conductance of skin in addition to providing a responsive element towards infant’s movements. Students will be involved in the early prototype stage to make a surface that can transmit heat, provide the same textural experience of skin and respond to infant’s movements with mechanical movements.
Project Objective
Project Objective
The development of artificial touch that can mimic the touch of a mother's hand would be a major advance in the management of the sick preterm newborn. Providing a comforting and calming environment has been shown to benefit their short term and long term health. The objective of this project is to build a surface that can mimic the benefits of skin-to-skin touch of a mother for a newborn child. The team will work with different materials and surfaces to optimize the newborn experience in addition to developing ways to deliver controlled temperature. The surface will also incorporate gentle movements to respond to the movements of the infant.
The development of artificial touch that can mimic the touch of a mother's hand would be a major advance in the management of the sick preterm newborn. Providing a comforting and calming environment has been shown to benefit their short term and long term health. The objective of this project is to build a surface that can mimic the benefits of skin-to-skin touch of a mother for a newborn child. The team will work with different materials and surfaces to optimize the newborn experience in addition to developing ways to deliver controlled temperature. The surface will also incorporate gentle movements to respond to the movements of the infant.
Device Design/Major Features
Device Design/Major Features
Heating surface
Soft form-fitting surface
Harness to hold infant in position of comfort on surface
Responsive surface to infant’s movements
The team may incorporate rocking, vibration and tilt to provide comfort to the infant.
Description of Final Design
4 motors to drive 4 independent lead screws
Lead screws will adjust the height and angle of the 4 independent panels
Panels are hinged to the outer walls so the center moves freely
Baby will feel more motion per degree change
Results
Through research and analysis, we have found that it is possible to provide the premature baby with a safe device that can be used to mimic skin-to-skin contact. Rebound 0025 from the company Smooth-On can be cured on top of leather to provide a skin-like texture. Rice serves as an excellent reservoir to retain heat. Ecoflex 0030 has a similar elasticity to human skin. And finally, the various responses can be administered through the use of four independent panels and motors.
Page updated
Report abuse